THE Spanish army is leading a major NATO military exercise in Slovakia involving nearly 2,900 troops and more than 300 vehicles.
The operation, called Strong Lineage 26 and led by Spanish Legion General Jose Agustin Carreras Postigo, will see around 1,600 Spanish military personnel deployed to Slovakia and Hungary over the next two weeks.
The aim is to test NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Slovakia, which Spain has led since July 2024.
The countries taking part are Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Romania and Turkey.
Spanish military equipment first left from the port of Almeria. After crossing the Mediterranean Sea, they arrived at the Slovenian port of Koper.
From there, convoys are taking the equipment by road to military training areas in Lest (Slovakia) and Croft (Hungary).
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NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Europe (SACEUR) will use the exercise to check if the brigade is ready for combat.
This includes testing how quickly troops can move, how supplies are managed and how well the different countries work together.
The mission is also intended to demonstrate Spain’s growing role within NATO and its role in protecting eastern Europe.
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The main Spanish unit taking part is the ‘King Alfonso XIII’ Brigade of the Legion, based in Viator (Almeria). Additional Army units from across Spain are also taking part.
Military officials said the operation has required a highly complex logistical effort, involving maritime, land and air transport, as well as coordination with NATO headquarters and several national authorities across Europe.
The deployment is expected to be completed by May 24, when the full multinational brigade will be operational under NATO command.
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Ok, that’s cute. But just to put things in perspective. 1,600 military personnel is approximately how many are killed each week in Ukraine. As for the armor, modern warfare drones would make minced meat out of that in less than an hour…